[Khat, a herbal drug with amphetamine properties]

Abstract

Because of their stimulating effect, leaves of the khat bush are chewed in several East African countries and in Yemen. Since only fresh leaves are active, this habit is almost unknown outside the regions where the plant grows. Recently, however, khat has made its appearance in the United States and in several European countries, while an import permit has been requested in Switzerland. These are reasons for making the practitioner familiar with the effects of this drug. During the last fifteen years, knowledge of khat and its constituents has made substantial progress. Today, the alkaloid cathinone is regarded as the main active principle of this drug, and this substance is held to be a natural amphetamine. This article summarizes knowledge of the pharmacology of khat.